The name of the third sea bridge connecting Yeongjongdo and the mainland in Incheon has been decided as "Cheongna Sky Bridge." However, Jung-gu, the local government that has jurisdiction over the Yeongjong area, has raised objections and is protesting the decision.
On the 28th, the Incheon city government held a naming committee meeting and decided on "Cheongna Sky Bridge" as the official name for the third sea bridge connecting Yeongjong International City in Jung-gu and Cheongna International City in Seo-gu.
The city explained that "Cheongna Sky Bridge" combines the regional symbolism proposed by both Jung-gu and Seo-gu, incorporating both the image of "Cheongna" and "Sky Road." The city stated that it comprehensively reviewed six proposed names, considering geographical characteristics, regional symbolism, opinions from local residents and experts, and convenience of use.
Previously, Jung-gu had proposed "Yeongjong Sky Bridge" and "Sky Bridge" based on a resident preference survey, while Seo-gu had proposed "Cheongna Bridge" and "Cheongna International Bridge." In addition, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority conducted a neutral naming contest and preference survey among citizens, submitting "Cheongna Sky Bridge" and "Yeongjong Cheongna Bridge" as candidates.
However, after the city naming committee decided on "Cheongna Sky Bridge" as the official name for the third sea bridge, Jung-gu expressed its opposition.
Kim Junghun, head of Jung-gu District Office in Incheon, stated on the 29th, "Cheongna Sky Bridge only reflects the Cheongna name from Seo-gu and is an extremely unreasonable and unfair name for Yeongjongdo residents," adding, "We will continue to raise objections until a proper name is decided."
Jung-gu emphasized that the city naming committee ignored basic principles in deciding the name, considering the region's identity, historical significance, and domestic and international bridge naming precedents.
District head Kim said, "We regret the city naming committee's decision, which undermines resident consensus and fairness," and added, "If 'Yeongjong' is excluded again during the reconsideration, we will file additional objections."
The Yeongjong International City Federation, a civic group in the Yeongjong area, also issued a statement on the same day demanding the immediate withdrawal of the naming decision. City and district governments can file objections within 30 days after being notified of the city naming committee's decision.
The Incheon Third Sea Bridge is currently under construction with a total project cost of 770.9 billion won, stretching 4.68 kilometers in length and 30 meters in width (six lanes in both directions), and is scheduled to open by the end of this year. The Third Sea Bridge will be built as an experiential and tourism-oriented bridge, featuring the world's tallest 180-meter main tower observatory, a waterfront deck path, and nighttime scenic lighting.
Aerial view of Incheon Third Bridge and Main Tower Observatory. Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority
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